One way to diagnose a loose, or warn ball joint, is to jack the car up, so the wheel is off of the ground, then have someone try to move the wheel in and out. While they are moving the wheel check the ball joint for play, if it is moving you probably need to replace it.

Remember whenever you are replacing any front end or steering components you should have your vehicle professionally aligned as soon as possible. This will ensure proper tracking and even tire wear.

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This item is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. In the event this item should fail due to manufacturing defects during intended use, we will exchange the part free of charge (excludes shipping charges) for the original purchaser. Please keep your invoice for proof of this warranty.

Step 1: Testing the Tie Rod (0:15)

Jack up one of your front wheels.

Grab it by the sides of the tire and try to move it back and forth. If you feel more play than just the steering rack moving back and forth, then your tie rod probably needs replacing.

Step 2: Removing the Front Wheel (0:56)

If you don't have air tools, you'll want to loosen the lug nuts with the wheel on the ground.

Lift the vehicle with a jack, support it with a jack stand, and take the wheel off the rest of the way.

Step 3: Measuring the Tie Rod (1:19)

Before you disassemble the tie rod, you want to measure the tie rod. From a fixed point on the rack, like the end of the boot, you want to measure to the middle of the tie rod. Measure a few times to be sure-you're going to set the new tie rod up the same length.

Step 4: Removing the Tie Rod (1:58)

You'll see a lock nut at the end of the tie rod. Holding on to the tie rod with a wrench, use your adjustable wrench to loosen that nut about a quarter of a turn

There is also am 18 mm bolt that nut that holds the stud on. Remove that. (If you don't have an impact wrench, use a breaker bar or a piece of pip for extra leverage.

Separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle by using a tie rod fork. Taking a hammer, you'll drive the tie rod fork between the rod and the knuckle.

Once the tie rod is separated from the knuckle, turn it clockwise to get it off the steering rack.

Step 5: Replacing the Tie Rod (3:45)

The new tie rod should come with the bolt in it. Take the bolt out for now.

Thread the tie rod onto the nut, measure from the same fixed point as before and make sure it measures the same. Take a couple of measurement.

Also, make sure you do not twist the shaft that comes out of the steering rack. Doing so will change your alignment.

NOTE: Regarding alignments, itâ€™s suggested that you have an alignment performed after you do a replacement like this.

Step 6: Securing the New Tie Rod (4:39)

Once you have the measurement correct, then you can put the tie rod back into the steering knuckle and start the bolt on there.

The lock nut at the end of the tie rod is an 18 mm nut. Holding the stud of the tie rod with an 8 mm wrench, tighten up the nut with your 18 mm wrench.

Once the 18 mm wrench is tight, grab another wrench and hook it on there for leverage. Give it another pull just for good measure.

Torque it to 65 foot pounds.

Put your wrench onto the inner tie rod to get this locking nut back out against the outer tie rod. Tighten.